RCBC Communication Consultant About the RCBC, Academic Advice

Welcome back! Possibilities abound in Spring 2022

New year, new plans, new beginnings–those are the themes of the spring semester. Some will graduate this semester, some will interview for internships, and all of us will find new possibilities to pursue right here at Lehigh. Our first article of the 2022 is dedicated to our plans, hopes, and dreams for the semester ahead. RCBC Communication Consultants each wrote a response to this question: What are you most excited about in the semester ahead?

Grace Kwon (Finance, ’23)

In the semester ahead, I am most excited about getting a fresh start. After winter break (a month of de-stressing, relaxing, and getting more hours of sleep), I believe that I will have a fresher, ready-to-go mindset for the next semester. I am especially excited for my new classes, professors, and classmates, as I look forward to meeting new people every semester. For next spring, in particular, I will be taking two finance classes, which will allow me to gain more knowledge in the finance field and learn more about what finance has to offer. Learning about new topics has always excited me, so I am particularly looking forward to taking these two classes along with my other courses this upcoming spring.

Julia Mancuso (Finance, ’24)

After a refreshing and recharging winter break, I am excited to begin taking some of my first major-related classes. As a Finance major, I am interested in learning more about the real world global finance perspective. In addition to my excitement for my classes next semester, I also look forward to getting more involved with a new campus organization that aligns with my interests!

Ross Bell (Management Consulting, ’23)

The way businesses are run–and the way we live our lives–changed in 2021. As we continue to turn the corner on the pandemic, I am eager to observe our new, post-pandemic world. Will business travel become obsolete? Will employees continue to quit their jobs in record-breaking droves? How will the recruitment of talent change now that locations have become irrelevant? Next semester, I am looking forward to answering all of these important questions and how our world continues to change.

Xinyi Cui (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

When I think about the next semester, my brain is filled with graduation. I can never believe how fast time passes. To a certain extent, I am excited because my life will move into a new stage, which I have never experienced before. But I am also hesitant and afraid since there are so many uncertainties. Professional life will be very different from college, so how should I better prepare for this transition? In Spring 2022 I hope I can figure out the answer while having a less tight schedule, which will enable me to take a breath before starting my job.

What are you looking forward to?

We invite you to reflect on your aspirations for the spring semester. Writing down your plans, goals, and hopes is the first step to making them a reality! The second step is to share them with others. When we communicate to others about what we desire for our lives, we gain two things: support from those who care about us and resolve within ourselves. Try it!

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.

RCBC Communication Consultant Academic Advice, Communication Tips

Tips for Hybrid Communication

By Communication Consultant Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

Tips for Hybrid CommunicationAs our new semester kicks off on campus, we are now able to conduct more projects with team members in person. However, with uncertain situations related to the pandemic, we still need to communicate online in many situations. To better ensure smooth and effective communication, here are some tips and considerations for teamwork in a hybrid mode.

Before getting right to the project, we should take time to better understand all team members’ situations by reaching out to each one of them with some general questions. For example:

  • What does your schedule look like?
  • What tools do you use when communicating remotely?
  • Will you have any difficulties attending team meetings?
  • What are your major concerns for this project?

Asking the above questions and sharing with other members helps to develop a productive and engaging team atmosphere, which is helpful when allocating tasks to individuals.

After getting to know each member’s situations, next determine the team’s workflow. There are two types of communication: synchronous and asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication happens in real time, such as meetings in person, video or phone call, and group message exchanges. This type of communication helps to gather various brainstorming ideas, discuss complex problems, and urgent matters. To better conduct team projects synchronously, having a simple agenda in advance will speed up the meeting. Also, recording meeting notes and upcoming deliverables will minimize repetitive task allocations, while understanding the project’s status quo.

On the other hand, asynchronous communication usually involves a time lag that allows time for one or more members to deliver or receive information. Because the gap makes it more difficult for each member to track the progress of the project and communicate in a timely manner, keeping in touch and knowing when to take the initiative are always critical. For example, you should set up group calendars and reminders, provide necessary resources when you can, and notify the team about any personal emergencies as early as possible.

As the team continues to learn and adjust in hybrid communication, there are some additional considerations:

  • Be flexible while also being responsible to meet the project deadline
  • Plan and set deadlines for each project stage to avoid procrastination and inconsistent engagement
  • Be respectful and inclusive to everyone’s ideas and contributions to minimize misunderstandings and uneven influence in decision making

As always, you are not alone. The RCBC is here to offer various communication resources and address any of your and your team’s concerns regarding assignments, presentations, and even more. Do not hesitate to email, book an appointment to meet via Zoom, or visit our center!

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.

RCBC Communication Consultant Academic Advice

Welcome back to campus, Juniors and Seniors!

By Communication Consultants Xinyi Cui (Accounting and BIS, ’22) and Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ‘22)

Welcome Back Juniors and SeniorsWelcome Back Series, Part 2 – Fall 2021:

Hopefully you are adjusting to the new semester while enjoying the reunion and on-campus life. The RCBC is excited to see everyone back on campus and is eager to address any communication concerns you may have. Here, we will continue our welcome series, with notes to our juniors and seniors as they shift into another important stage of college life.

Dear Juniors:

After two years at Lehigh, you are used to college life and have a clearer goal for your personal development. When you determine your major(s), you have three online tools to understand major(s)’s different tracks and courses – the degree audit, Banner, and Lehigh course website. Without doubt, the best way would be communicating with your professors, your advisors, and seeking advice from the senior students who have taken upper level courses already. Additionally, you need to make an important decision on your future plan: whether to look for an internship in summer or to further develop your academic interests. For the former, most companies are willing to open the doors to juniors with a variety of internship programs. It is recommended to improve your resume and conduct research on preferred companies and opportunities, which help you better prepare for the networking and interviews. On the other hand, if you hope to gain more knowledge about your academic field(s), this is a good time to talk with your professors and look for potential research opportunities. Don’t forget to do research on the graduate programs offered by either Lehigh or other universities, so you won’t miss any update or requirements of the applications. 

Dear Seniors:

Finally, seniors, you are almost there! We hope you have enjoyed the past three years at Lehigh and will also enjoy your last year here before transitioning to a brand new environment. Some questions to ask yourself: 

– What goals have you set for yourself in college and what do you need to do to reach them? 

– How will you continue to balance the three elements of social life, study, and sleep? 

– What’s your plan or wishes for this year?  

You have a lot of expectations of your future. So prepare yourself by searching for work and study opportunities, keeping a folder with all the required job application documents, going to the career expo held by Lehigh on September 23, getting to know some alumni, and talking with your professors to receive more life advice. Last but not least, don’t forget to relax and have fun with your college friends! 

Dear juniors and seniors, though there may be more obstacles and challenges coming towards you, no matter what decisions you make down the road, it’s always helpful to practice carpe diem- seize the day.

Once again, welcome back everyone!

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.

RCBC Communication Consultant Academic Advice

Welcome Freshmen and Welcome Back Sophomores!

By Communication Consultant Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

Welcome Back Freshmen and SophomoresWelcome Back Series, Part 1 – Fall 2021:

Can you believe it? From being completely away from the school, friends, and even family, to being accustomed to today’s virtual environment, we have already been remote for more than a year. However, with continuous effort and collaboration, we finished strong in the past year. Finally, we are now able to return to campus in person! With such exciting and encouraging news, the RCBC welcomes business students from all school years, along with several tips for both new and returning students in fall semester.

Dear Freshmen:

First and foremost, welcome the class of 2025! No more anxious waiting for school offers–you are now officially a part of the Lehigh family. The challenge ahead is to enjoy the transition from high school to college. But no worries, Lehigh Business College prepares you well from the very beginning.

Through taking a wide range of introductory courses in the first year, you will be able to have a general understanding of each field. Besides participating in various networking events, career fairs, and business clubs, do not forget to reach out to your professors. This might seem obvious, but we often tend to overlook the significance of building relationships with them. By actively engaging in class discussions and asking questions in office hours, you will benefit from these connections in your future study and even career.

Furthermore, take advantage of campus resources. Resources like the RCBC, the Writing and Math center, and the Center for Career and Professional Development are all great places to address any concerns you may have, especially in the beginning of your college life. With these resources, you could also start to build your resume at an early stage. Do not worry about not having any work or leadership experiences for now–you can describe your high school accomplishments and activities; you’ll gradually accumulate college experiences later on. For further information, you could refer to our Advice for First Year Students.

Dear Sophomores:

Congratulations to sophomores, you have now entered into a new stage of college life! Though the remote freshman year was challenging and not anticipated, it definitely strengthened your learning and adapting skills. And now you will begin to face various new decisions, including choosing major(s), expanding networks, and seeking potential internships. Considering major(s) in advance, you could visit your academic advisor to plan out your potential major courses. In addition, enhancing your resume and being familiar with resources like Handshake and LinkedIn enable you to sell yourself while building connections and finding different opportunities. Any open opportunities like externships or leadership experiences will make you stand out among peers and help your academic and professional path go smoother down the road. As we all know, it is always beneficial to plan ahead and actively enrich yourself rather than just sitting and waiting for something to happen. But at the same time, don’t be stressed out and remember to take a break for yourself as well. Additional information could be found in our Advice for Sophomores in Business.

Welcome freshmen and welcome back sophomores! Juniors and seniors, our welcome back message to you is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.